Ripple Blanket Know-how

The Neat Ripple pattern is one of my absolute favourites for blanket making and over the years that I've been crocheting I've made several. Picture above from left to right ::

Summer ripple  :: Interlocking Colour ripple :: Coast Ripple

I've already written a full step-by-step tutorial for working the neat ripple stitch which you can find HERE. If this pattern is new to you, I would strongly advise working up a practice sample before you embark on a full blanket, just so you get the measure of how the rows form. It's not nearly as complicated as it looks I promise you! In fact, once you get the hang of it you will soon be in love with the rhythm of those ups and downs, it's an extremely soothing, pleasurable and addictive pattern. I thought it might be helpful to write out the pattern for making an actual blanket, as an addition to the Neat Ripple stitch pattern.

♥ For my blankets I generally use a DK weight acrylic yarn worked on a 4mm hook.

♥ I have used 15 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK acrylic with a 4mm hook to make my Coast and Cottage ripple blankets. The finished size is approximately single bed size (120 cm x 180 cm).

♥ If you wish to make the blanket bigger ie to fit a double / king size bed, you will need to increase the number of stitches in your starting chain.....the starting chain should always be a multiple of 14, plus an extra 3.

♥ I'm writing this pattern in UK crochet terms, as follows ::

sl st [slip stitch] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch, then through the loop on your hook.

dc [double crochet] :: insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US sc stitch)

htr [half treble]:: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook (note :: this is equivalent to the US hdc stitch)

tr [treble] :: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull the loop back through the stitch (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops left on hook), yarn over and pull through remaining two loops (note :: this is equivalent to the US dc stitch)

tr2tog [treble two together]= a treble decrease worked across two stitches, as follows ::

YO, into stitch, YO, back through stitch (3 loops on hook)

YO, draw through 2 loops (2 loops on hook)

YO, into next stitch, YO, back through stitch (4 loops on hook)

YO, draw through 2 loops (3 loops on hook)

YO, draw through all 3 loops.

A quick note about dealing with those tail ends, this is my method ::

1. Make the tail ends a decent length, roughly 15-20cm is good.

2. For the first 12-14 stitches of each row, crochet over your tail ends as work the row, then leave them dangling.

 

3. When you are ready to darn them in, thread both tails onto a darning needle.

4. Skip over the very first loop of the first stitch, then pass your needle under the row of crochet stitches.

 

 5. Take your needle under all the stitches, you might need to do this in two goes. Easy the tail ends through gently and DO NOT PULL TOO TIGHTLY!! The crochet work should not look puckered or pulled in any way.

6. your needle and tail ends should pop out at the outer edge of your blanket. Check that you've not pulled it too tight and that your crochet stitches remain neat and even.

7. Snip off your tail ends close to the crochet.

To make a blanket with a width of 110cm (single bed size) chain 213 to begin. This is a multiple of 14, plus 3.

:: ROW 1 ::

1 tr into 4^th chain from hook

1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice,  tr into each of next 4 chs, *(2tr into next ch) twice, 1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice, 1 tr into each of next 4 chs*

Repeat between ** ending last rep with 2 tr into last chain, turn.

:: ROW 2 ::

ch3, 1 tr into same stitch, 1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice, 1 tr into each of next 4 chs, *(2tr into next ch) twice, 1tr into each of next 4 chs, tr2tog twice, 1 tr into each of next 4 chs*

Repeat between ** ending last rep with 2 tr into the top chain of the chain-3 from previous row.

:: ROW 3 ::

Change to a new colour and repeat Row 2.

:: ROW 4 ::

continue with the same colour as Row 3, repeating the ripple pattern as for Row 2.

 :: ROW 5 – 168 ::

Repeat row 2, changing colours every alternate row. Work a total of 84 colour stripes (2 rows for each stripe). Fasten off and darn in all ends.

**Remember that if you need it, there is a full tutorial for working the Neat Ripple pattern (with a tonne of pictures), so don't struggle with the above abbreviated version if it reads like Gobbledegook!

:: NOTE :: If you wish to follow my edging tutorial, please make sure that you use the same colour to work the starting chain, rows 1 & 2 and the final two rows. In other words, the blanket should start and end with the same colour choice top and bottom. You will then use this same colour to work the beginning of the edging.

:: EDGING ::

The edging will be worked in 3 rounds, using 3 different colours.

The first stage of the edging is to work a line of treble crochet stitches along each vertical/long side the blanket. Please note that this will only work if you have made the last two rows the same colour as your first two rows! If you haven't already done this, then check you have enough yarn and add an extra two rows of ripple to your blanket to match your first two rows. You then use this same colour to work the first round of the edging.

:: FIRST ROUND ::

Position your blanket so that it's the right way up, with the right side facing you. You'll begin working the edging up the right hand side, starting at the BOTTOM RIGHT of your blanket.

You'll be working treble stitches around the last stitches of each ripple row. This is known in crochet terms as working around the "post of a stitch". So instead of trying to wriggle your hook right into the stitch itself, you simply put your hook under the stitch. Looking at the above photo, can you see the first two stitches are worked from under the first treble stitch of the first ripple row?

Right, so to begin your edging....put your hook under that first treble stitch, pull a loop of yarn through to the front and chain 3 (counts as 1 tr). Work 1 tr around the post of that same stitch (as in the picture above. Remember to crochet over your tail ends as you work.

 

Now move along and work 2 tr's around the post of the next treble stitch (row two of the ripple), as above.

Continue along the edge, working 2 tr's around the post of each stitch at the end of each ripple row.

This is how your edging treble's should look :: two treble stitches worked around the stitch at the end of each ripple row. They look like little "V's"!

When you arrive at the top right of your blanket, work 2 tr's around the final stitch of the last ripple row, then fasten off and darn in the tail end.

You should now have a neat edging row worked up the right hand side of the blanket, the same colour as the first and last ripple rows.

Now you can do the same with the other side. Starting at the TOP LEFT of your blanket, you will be working down the left hand side from top to bottom. Just as before, put your hook under the first stitch of the ripple row and pull a loop through to the front.

Chain 3 (counts as 1 tr), then work 1 tr around the same stitch.

Move to the next stitch and work 2 tr's around the post of that stitch, as shown in the photo above.

Carry on working your way along the edge, working 2 tr's around the post of each stitch at the end of each ripple row.

When you get to the end (which is the bottom left of your blanket), fasten off and darn the tail end in neatly.

You should now have two neat edging rows worked along both long/vertical sides of your blanket, the same colour as the first and last ripple rows.

:: SECOND ROUND ::

Position your blanket the right way up with right sides facing you. You'll begin working this round up the right hand side, starting at the BOTTOM RIGHT of your blanket.

Insert your hook into the 3rd chain of the starting ch-3 of the previous round (shown above by my needle). Pull a loop through to the front and chain 2 (counts as 1 dc)

Work 1dc into each stitch along, remembering to crochet over your tail ends as you work.

You are working a long row of double crochet up the right hand side of the blanket. Stop when you arrive at the top-right corner, leaving the very last stitch to work the corner turn....

In the very last stitch of the long vertical row, work 2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc.

I'm now going to show you how to "fill in" the top ripple edge to make it straight.

Work  1 dc into each of the next 3 sts (as shown above).

Work 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 tr into each of the next 4 sts, 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts (as shown above). You have filled in the Valley! Now lets go over the Mountain....

Work 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts (as shown above)

Now repeat that whole sequence again, as follows ::

*1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 tr into each of the next 4 sts, 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts*

Continue working this pattern sequence (repeat between **), filling in the Valleys with htr's and tr's and riding over the Mountinas with dc's.

When you come towards the end of this top row, STOP half way through the 6 dc's!! So in the above photo look, I've filled in the Valley with tr's and htr's and have worked 3 of the 6 dc's.

Now we need to turn the corner, so insert your hook into the corner stitch (as show by my needle in the above photo, it's the top of the  chain-3 from the previous edging row).

Work 2dc, ch-2, 2dc in that corner stitch.

You will now be working down the long left hand side of the blanket (from top to bottom).

Work 1 dc into each stitch along until one stitch remains.

Into this last stitch, work 2 dc, ch-2, 2dc to torn the corner.

You will now be working along the bottom edge (which is the bottom of the foundation chain), filling in the ripples to make them straight. When working into the bottom of the foundation chain, remember it's only single loops to pick up on your hook.

The first two stitches will be worked into "the post" of the side edge, it's the very last tr stitch that you made when working round 1 of the edging.

Work 2 tr's into the side of this treble stitch.

Then work 1 tr into each of the next two stitches.

1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts.

*1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 tr into each of the next 4 sts, 1 htr into each of the next 2 sts, 1 dc into each of the next 6 sts*

repeat between ** just the same as you did for the top edge, filling in the Valleys and riding over the Mountains!

As you near the end of this bottom row, you should stop after you've made your 4 tr's (as shown above). You should be left with the horizontal chain-3 of the previous round to work into.

Into the SAME STITCH as the very first ch-2 you made to start this round,  work 2 htr's, chain-2, 1 dc. This completes the corner.

Slip stitch into the 2nd chain of the initial ch-2 of this round to close, then fasten off and darn in ends.

:: THIRD ROUND ::

Position your blanket the right way up with right sides facing you. You'll begin working this round up the right hand side, starting at the BOTTOM RIGHT of your blanket.

Insert your hook into the corner ch-space made in the previous round and pull a loop though to the front to begin.

Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc) then work 2dc into same corner space.

Work 1 dc into each stitch along (you are working up the right hand side of the blanket from bottom to top)

When you arrive at the top corner, work 3 dc into the corner chain-space, then continue with your dc's along the top edge of your blanket.

Continue around the whole blanket, working a neat round of dc's and putting 3 dc's into each corner chain space. When you arrive back where you started, slip stitch into the 2nd chain of the initial ch-2 to close the round. Fasten off and darn all tail ends in neatly.

And there you have it, one neatly edged ripple blanket....

You might wish to give the edging a very light little bit of steam treatment with a steam iron set on it's lowest setting. Remember not to let the iron touch the crochet, and take care with hot steam on your fingers. I find that the steam just gently settles the edging down, stops the corners from curling and gives a satisfying "finished" feel to the blanket, but really it's not essential to do this. It just feels nice somehow.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, LOVE those soothing ripples so much! And the edging rows really round it all off a treat. Nothing too complicated or frilly or flouncy, just a beautiful, simple, neat finish.

Pure ripplesome pleasure.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ps here are some useful links for you ::

♥ Neat Ripple Tutorial (step by step help for working the ripple pattern)

♥ Coast Blanket ta-dah (lots of pictures of my finished blanket, plus the listing for the exact colour sequence I used to work these random stripes)

♥ Cottage Blanket ta-dah (lots of pictures of the cottage ripple blanket, plus the listing for the exact colour sequence I used to work the random stripes)

♥ Blanket yarn packs (15 balls of Stylecraft yarn for you to make your very own ripple blanket)

If you purchase yarn packs from the Attic24 shop at Wool Warehouse, you'll also receive a free full colour printed pattern for making the ripple blanket, as an extra ((thank you)) from us both. I'm thrilled to be working with Wool Warehouse, they are a fantastic, dedicated team of yarn-lovers, and they will ship any of my yarn packs worldwide :)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Comments

[tierbestattung]

https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/
https://www.tierbestattung-bleibler.de/

[judy cummins]

After I finished the ribble blanket, I noticed the foundation chain is too tight. Can I remove it and replace with a single crochet and still keep the ripples?

[Elspeth]

I may have missed it, but please can you tell me what colours you used in what order please. I already have the yarn but it's hard to tell without a list. Thanks.

[Jaira Lima]

Do you have any video of this?

[Sue]

Hi Lucy
I love love love your projects. I know you love colour and wondered if you could please help me with a neutral colour pallet for your ripple blanket which is my next project and is a present for a very special friend. Love reading your blog. Thank you so much. Xxx

[Terri Nelson]

Hi Lucy, can you tell me where to find the color wash for your patterns? I have about 6 different yarns bundles and pattens.
Thank you so much,
Terri

[Judith Thompson]

Hi Lucy thank you so much for all your hard work and such beautiful patterns.
I know this question has been asked time and time again but please could you tell me how many stitches for a cot size blanket ( 24 inches x 48 inches).
I am really enjoying your blogs this October and hope that you continue to feel a little brighter. I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia and life can be very difficult sometimes.
Thank you for brightening our day.

[Monica Woolf]

Lucy,
I want to crochet a baby neat ripple blanket. I know that there are multiples of 14 and add 3 more stitches to chain and at the end of each row The pattern does not say how many stitches for a baby blanket.
Also the pattern goes beyond the 14 stitches. Do I just continue along the crochet chain and keep repeating the pattern to the end of each row?
Thank you.
Monica Woolf

[Sally Hodgson]

How would you crochetneatly along the straight sides, leaving the ripples top and bottom.

[Maureen]

Lucy, how many stitches should I start with for a crib sized baby ripple?
Thank you,
Maureen

[Tracy McDonald]

Obviously I posted on the wrong page but you can fix that. Right?

[Tracy McDonald]

I want to thank you for this EXCELLENT Tutorial. I have 53 years experience and this is the ONE & ONLY comprehensive lesson available. Please! Tell me how to "Share" on social media. Please announce this existence.

[Susan Montgomery]

Hi Lucy
Please could you help. I am new to crocheting but successfully made Dune blanket which I love but now my sister wants me to do the coast one. The pattern gives number of chains etc for single size would you please tell me how many for double and king size.
Many thanks
Susan

[Cheryl Buckingham]

Hi Lucy,
I am edging my neat ripple blanket. I am up to turning the corner to crochet the bottom edge. If I work the corner with 2 dc 2 chain and 2dc in the last stitch if the left side to turn the corner. When I work the 2 treble stiches next my edging is not straight. It steps up instead.

I don't know what I am doing wrong.
Thanks
Cheryl

[Celia Simpson]

Hi, I am a learner but have your Dune blanket in my stash but as always we crafters are on to the next project before finishing, that said I have been reading the tutorial on the Coast Ripple pattern and you say to put the hook under both loops in the foundation chain, but you don't stipulate this on other blankets. I have only been using the back loop for most of my work. Am I wrong? So love all of your work , thank you.

[Donna L Wightman]

I don't know why I can't order.Did I do something wrong or is it the fault of the coded 19 vireus.

[Heather Southwood]

Does anyone know how to remove a stripe from a ripple blanket without pulling the whole thing apart? I have done about 12 more stripes past the one I want to remove (accidentally used a wrong colour, it looks awful). Thanks

[Caroline]

Hi, how many chains would you start with for a baby blanket? And is there and edging that keeps the waves at the ends?
Thankyou

[Patsy soehlke]

Wonderful article but changes b/t us and british instructions are confusing

[Susie Rummens]

Clear and easy to understand instructions! Great,CLEAR, pictures! Thank you so much!

[Marny CA]

Oh ... make the afghan in a solid color and there will only be tails when the skein/ball runs out.

Then it's tail-time again. ;-)

[Marny CA]

I have done a different ripple (aka chevron) and both ends had points - your edges are straight.

The change between UK and US might drive me nuts - but I like the idea of a new shape -- so, thank you VERY much and hope this moves up on my To-Do List.

I also do not weave in ends - I hold the tails as I crochet over the old tail with the new color and its tail.

Worth a try for anyone not wanting tails.

I have a gift afghan that is knit and has hundreds of tails - and it's a real PITA.

[Kelly Small]

I like the wavy edges at the top and bottom. How silly would it be just to finish the side edges?

[Ann P.]

I just ordered TWO ripple blanket yarn packs from Wool Warehouse...one for the Coast Ripple and one the Summer Ripple (Cottonsoft). I cannot WAIT to get started! (By the way, I was pleasantly surprised to see how inexpensive it is to have them shipped to the U.S.) I generally hate to weave in ends, yet here I am, chomping at the bit to start two multi-color, striped projects. Your photo tutorials are so clear and so thorough that I know I will be able to complete these blankets.

I adore your blog, Lucy, and am delighted with all of the lovely COLOR. What a feast for the eyes. I am actually considering re-decorating my home using solid, neutral paint colors and fabrics, so that I can accent our living space with your lovely designs. Thank you for all the work you put into your blog. I’ve been following it for years and can honestly say that you have inspired me and enriched my life. God Bless.

[Louise]

Is there anyway of doing this pattern in an Arab weight yarn please?